COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey has added a disabled hockey coaching module to its online education program at USAHockey.com. The module encompasses all four disciplines of disabled hockey, including deaf/hard of hearing, sled, special, and standing/amputee.

“We’re extremely excited to be able to offer this online coaching module specifically dedicated to supporting disabled hockey programs,” said Mark Tabrum, director of USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program. “We believe hockey should be accessible to everybody and this is a great resource for all of our coaches to help develop our disabled athletes.”

The module begins with an introduction from JJ O’Connor, chair of USA Hockey’s Disabled Section, before moving into guidelines for developing a disabled hockey program from two-time Paralympian Lonnie Hannah and essential coaching skills needed for working with disabled athletes, delivered by Julie O’Neill, team leader of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Sport Performance Division.

The program also includes segments on designing an efficient and effective practice; utilization of cross-ice and small area games with Mike Eaves, head coach of the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team and Bill Beaney, head coach of the Middlebury College (Vt.) men’s ice hockey team; nutrition with Dave Ellis, registered dietician and certified strength and conditioning specialist; sleep and its effect on performance with Dr. Christopher Winter; concussions and athlete safety with Dr. Michael J. Stuart, chief medical officer for USA Hockey; and alcohol and drug awareness with Dennis O’Sullivan of the American Athletic Institute.